Flotspotting: 'Gaia' is an Open Office Structure We Actually Like

Nailing down a perfect workspace is a science. For a place that you spend a majority of your time in, it had better fit you and pull the most productivity from your procrastinating fingertips—even if you're a freelancer without a go-to office. David Bruér, an industrial designer from Stockholm, has designed a portable space for the workers who want to bust past flimsy cubical walls—a hampster wheel of creativity, if we may.

We caught a look at the workspace in 2012 at Stockholm Design Week. While the photos do the design justice, it deserves a revisit for a closer look at all the working parts. The design circles around (literally) the functionality of the slats inside the space—custom fitted chairs, benches and lights can be placed within the sphere in any of the available slots. The structure is easily moved and reassembled, making this kind of construction ideal for an open-office layout.

Gaia can be stored in a horizontal stack for compact storage in small spaces

Gaia can be stored in a horizontal stack for compact storage in small spaces

It's not a secret that no one prefers an open-workspace layout. There's some sort of distraction in the fact that anyone can see what your web surfing at any given time, even if it's work-related. But this design seals in some privacy. One commenter on Coroflot shares her hope that the structures play off of their shape and rock back and forth—just think of the wonderful messes of software, styluses and wires that motion could bring.

Gaia's versatility may be the most appealing part. The various seating, organization and lighting options make it easy to create your ideal creative habitat. The pieces are easy to add and take out, takes the hassle out of sharing spaces. While it may not be the best place to house long-term projects and employees—leg cramps, the No. 1 killer of productivity—this could surely solve some employee organization issues.

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Erika is the editorial assistant at Core77. When she isn't covering design, you can find her writing about music, food, and healthy living habits. But mostly music. She also has a strong affinity for hedgehogs, bowling, and bands with goofy names.

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